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The Hours is a fascinating exploration of three women living in different times and different places, each of them struggling to find their personal bliss against the pressures and expectations of marriage and motherhood. The film is a meditation on death and sacrifice — obviously not the kind we associate with men on the battlefield, but the quiet, stifling kind suffered by people, traditionally women, who find themselves living only for the benefit of others. Michael Cunningham’s story dares to present death as a rational option for such people. Of the three protagonists, one chooses death, one accepts terrible scorn to avoid it, and one must live in its wake.

Stephen Daldry gives the film a poetic lilt with his graceful direction, and there are outstanding performances from Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Ed Harris. Another key ingredient to the film’s success is Philip Glass, whose mesmerizing score bridges time and space, floating us in and out of the film’s disparate settings. With Daldry’s direction, Glass’ music, and Peter Boyle’s editing, The Hours beautifully unfolds in three parallel universes without ever jarring the viewer. That its message is relevant over such a considerable span of time is perhaps the most haunting aspect of the film. Come Oscar time, Nicole Kidman took home the best actress trophy for her performance as Virginia Woolf.

The impressive supporting cast also includes Allison Janney, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, John C. Reilly, Miranda Richardson, and Toni Collette.

Academy Award: Best Actress (Nicole Kidman)

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Ed Harris), Best Supporting Actress (Julianne Moore), Best Score, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay